Scleral Lens Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Mini-Scleral Lenses and Large-Scleral Lenses), By End-User (Hospitals, Eye Clinics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global scleral lens market size was valued at USD 301.4 million in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 327.0 million in 2024 to USD 770.6 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.3% over the forecast period.

Scleral Lenses (SLs) are gas permeable lenses specially designed for vision correction in patients suffering from Keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. These lenses cover the entire corneal surface to provide more stability than conventional gas permeable lenses. They are often used in patients suffering from chemical or burn injuries, radial keratotomy, Stevens - Johnson syndrome, Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD), and Sjogren’s syndrome.

The growing prevalence of ocular disorders, favorable reimbursement policies, and distinctive benefits of these lenses over soft lenses are the major factors responsible for the rising adoption of these lenses. Moreover, the increasing technological advancements and new product launches are anticipated to contribute to the growth of the global market.

• For instance, according to an article published by Healio in July 2023, Scleral Lenses (SLs) are preferred by providers for the treatment of corneal irregularity. Amongst the 631 participants in the survey, 42% stated SLs as their top preference.

The COVID-19 pandemic had an overall negative impact on the market as major leading players reported a significant decline in their revenues from the sales of contact lens. The usage of eye lenses decreased due to the adoption of other vision correction methods such as eyeglasses to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The majority of the healthcare institutions recommended using alternative methods due to concern regarding the risk of infections, especially the transmission of COVID-19, which affected the number of new fittings. Additionally, the noticeable decline in the number of outpatient visits was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a decrease in several procedures and subsequently hampered the adoption and demand for these lenses.

However, with the relaxation of pandemic related restrictions, the market witnessed a steady growth from 2021.

Scleral Lens Market Trends

Expanding Indications for Scleral Lenses to Boost Market Growth

The Scleral Lenses (SLs) are primarily used to treat medical conditions related to the ocular surface diseases and irregular corneas. However, these lenses are now being recommended for normal corneas to increase patients' quality of life. Due to the patient’s ineligibility for conventional lenses, the demand for newer SLs is increasing, as they are viable to use before surgeries. Due to the advancements in technologies and manufacturing efficiencies, the scope of these lenses has been expanding over the last few years. For instance, in terms of the dry eye treatment, these lenses were used off-label. However, recently, the U.S. FDA has added keratoconjunctivitis sicca as a therapeutic indication in the labeling of these lenses.

Moreover, the increasing demand for these lenses due to the expanding number of applications is one of the major factors influencing the market’s growth. Major players operating in the market are introducing innovative products to meet the demand gap.

• For instance, in February 2023, Visionary Optics introduced a scleral lens with a simpler fitting process. This new product allows healthcare professionals to adjust zone parameters one at a time.

Moreover, the increasing awareness about the benefits of these lenses over conventional methods is influencing the demand for these products and is anticipated to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Scleral Lens Market Growth Factors

Growing Prevalence of Ocular Disorders to Augment Product Demand 

Globally, an increasing number of patients suffering from ocular diseases demand effective vision correction solutions. Ocular diseases such as keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, and uncorrected refractive errors are growing significantly. The patients in developed and developing countries are shifting toward advanced solutions to manage eye disorders, which is anticipated to drive the demand for these products during the forecast period.

• For instance, according to data published by Dry Eye Directory, in 2020, around 16.4 million Americans were suffering from dry eye, representing around 6.8% of the total population. Similarly, according to a study published by Cornea.org, the prevalence of Keratoconus was 54.5 in 100,000 in the U.S.

Moreover, key players' introduction of innovative products, the growing number of corneal transplant procedures, and a surge in the adoption of scleral solutions for the management of ocular disorders are the key factors influencing market growth. Additionally, the increasing number of contact lens wearers is also anticipated to fuel the demand for these lenses.

• For instance, according to The Vision Council, an estimated 42.2 million contact lens users are present in the U.S. The statistics revealed an estimated growth of around 2.9 million contact lens users from 2014 to 2019. Globally, around 125 million people use contact lenses.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost and Availability of Alternative Treatments to Limit the Adoption of SL

Scleral lenses have experienced several technological advancements in the last decade, including material, design, and manufacturing techniques. However, the high costs associated with lens procedures, including lens charges, fitting charges, refitting costs, and other service charges, are anticipated to limit the adoption of these products during the forecast period. Moreover,  limitations such as the requirement of opticians for fitting, the need for regular refitting, and the limited availability of these lenses in developing and underdeveloped countries are also responsible for restraining the scleral lens market growth.

• For instance, according to data published by the Living with Review of Optometric Business, the total cost of lens procedure for both the eyes is around USD 2,000-4,000 per patient.

The long-term usage of these lenses may cause several side effects, such as midday fogging, scleral misalignment, corneal hypoxia, and fitting issues that will hamper the adoption of these lenses. Moreover, the growing adoption of alternative treatment options such as soft contact lenses, vision correction surgeries, and eyeglasses have been responsible for the comparatively limited adoption of lenses.

Scleral Lens Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Mini-Scleral Lenses Segment Dominated Owing to the Introduction of Technologically Advanced Products

Based on type, the market is segmented into mini-scleral lenses and large-scleral lenses.

The mini-scleral lenses segment dominated the market in terms of value and volume both in 2023. The increasing cases of keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, and other ocular diseases, coupled with the introduction of technologically advanced lenses in the category, are anticipated to contribute to the segment’s growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the distinct benefits of mini over soft contact lenses have led to an unprecedented surge in the demand for these lenses.

• For instance, according to a study published in NCBI, Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP) accounted for 63.4% of all total eye procedures. Patients post-surgery must be fitted with mini scleral lenses due to eye rehabilitation and maintenance. Therefore, the uptake of mini lenses is expected to support the segment growth.

The large lenses segment held a significant scleral lens market share. The increasing adoption of these lenses in treating patients suffering from ocular diseases such as Keratoconus and rising awareness about the large lenses are the essential factors driving the segment’s growth.

• For instance, in November 2021, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare introduced the Optimized Pupil Optics (OPO) for its Onefit MED+ scleral contact lenses.

By End-User Analysis

Increasing Number of Independent Practitioners to Drive the Eye Clinics Segment Growth

Based on end-user, the market is divided into hospitals, eye clinics, and others.

The eye clinics segment dominated the global market in 2023 and anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the growing number of independent practitioners and the increasing number of lens fitting procedures in eye clinics. 

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 49% optometrists in the U.S. were practicing in independent offices.

The rise in independently practicing optometrists is anticipated to fuel the eye clinic segment growth. Additionally, the increasing awareness and accessibility of scleral products through local reach and focus of market players on the distribution of their products through eyecare professionals are set to propel segment growth. The patient-tailored approach adopted by eye clinics is an additional factor expected to drive the segment growth.

The hospitals segment held the second-largest market share in 2023. The increasing government reimbursement plans oriented toward the provision of affordable eye care through government hospitals and other facilities and the strategic agreements by contact lens manufacturers by obtaining licenses to expand their reach in emerging markets are primarily responsible for the segment growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of geography, the market can be categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America held a dominating share of the market in 2023 in terms of value (USD million) and volume (1,000 units). The region’s market size stood at USD 122.5 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Rising patient pool suffering from ocular diseases, increasing adoption of scleral among contact lens users, and focus of major market players on expansion of portfolio through strategic acquisitions and collaborations are some of the major factors responsible for the dominance of the region. According to an article published in CL Spectrum in January 2021, scleral fitting prescriptions accounted for 23% of total contact lens prescriptions. The U.S. and Canada accounted for 50% and 25% of prescriptions, respectively.

Europe accounted for the second-largest share of the global market due to the rise in demand for these lenses owing to the prevalence of dry eye, and patients undergoing corneal transplants. In addition, various strategies undertaken by major players to strengthen their market presence also supports the region’s growth.

• For instance, in July 2022, BostonSight collaborated with Conóptica of Spain to expand the manufacturing and distribution of BostonSight SCLERAL lenses in several European countries, including Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing number of patients ineligible for traditional soft contact lenses, along with a growing number of patients shifting from spectacles to lenses is expected to support the market growth in near future. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of ocular diseases in the region is anticipated to drive the market growth.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are anticipated to show promising growth in the near future due to the increasing awareness about scleral products and recent developments in the healthcare sector. In addition, the awareness programs initiated by government organizations lead to the increase in diagnosis and treatment rates for ocular disorders in these countries, fueling the demand for these lenses.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Increasing Focus of Key Players on Partnerships and Acquisitions to Enhance its Market Position

The competitive landscape of the market is consolidated with Bausch + Lomb, EssilorLuxottica, and ABB Optical Group dominating the market by selling a significant volume of lens globally and accounting for a significant market share in 2023. The strong distribution of key players in major markets, strategic collaborations, acquisitions, and new product launches are predominantly responsible for the dominance of these players.

• For instance, in February 2019, Essilor acquired Germany-based Brille24 GmbH. This acquisition helped the company broaden its product portfolio and expand its global footprint.

Other key players operating in the market include The Cooper Companies Inc., Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc., Visionary Optics (Euclid Vision Group), BostonSight, TruForm Optics Inc., SynergEyes, and AccuLens. These players are involved in the development of innovative products to gain a competitive advantage over other companies.

LIST OF TOP SCLERAL LENS COMPANIES:

• Bausch + Lomb (Canada)


• EssilorLuxottica (France)


• ABB Optical Group (U.S.)


• The Cooper Companies Inc. (U.S.)


• Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc.  (U.S.)


• Visionary Optics (Euclid Vision Group) (U.S.)


• BostonSight (U.S.)


• TruForm Optics Inc. (U.S.)


• SynergEyes (U.S.)


• AccuLens (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2024 - Bausch + Lomb announced the launch of Zenlens ECHO scleral lenses in the U.S. to expand the company’s footprint in the global market.


• August 2023 - Visionary Optics introduced a scleral lens named Europa Tangent with enhanced lens design.


• November 2022 - The Cooper Companies Inc. completed the acquisition of a privately-held U.S.-based company SynergEyes that provides a broad portfolio of technologically advanced contact lens products, including scleral and hybrid lenses.


• June 2022 - Euclid Vision Group announced the acquisition of Visionary Optics to expand its specialty contact lens care portfolio. This acquisition expanded Euclid Vision Group’s ortho-K and scleral lenses product portfolio.


• October 2021 - Bausch + Lomb rolled out the New 28 Lens Zenlens Dx Set for meeting the surging demand for gas-permeable lenses to correct vision problems related to corneal irregularities.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as competitive analysis, company profiles, and analysis by type and end-user. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation